Southern Section 4-A Softball : Top-Seeded Woodbridge Wins Despite Walnut Threats, 6-1

Patti Russell gave up the most hits of her high school pitching career, but the top-seeded Woodbridge High School softball team still won Friday, defeating Walnut, 6-1, in the first round of the Southern Section 3-A playoffs at Woodbridge.

The Mustangs managed 10 hits against Russell (7-1) but stranded nine baserunners. The Warriors (20-3) had the benefit of a pair of two-run home runs by Jenny Allard and Charisse Kiino. Sandra Schoonover also contributed two hits. Lynn Espinoza was the losing pitcher. The Warriors play Bolsa Grande in Wednesday’s second round.

In other 3-A playoff action:

Garden Grove 1, University 0--Pitcher Leslie Osterman (15-6) struck out 12 and allowed two hits as the third-seeded Argonauts (18-9) won at Garden Grove. The lone run scored after Gina Dimercurio led off the fourth inning with a single and was driven in by Marian Mendoza’s two-out single off the knee of Trojan pitcher Jennifer Frei. University second baseman Michele Bell singled in the sixth inning to break up Osterman’s no-hitter.

Bolsa Grande 4, Savanna 2--Good defense and hitting characterized this Matador victory at Bolsa Grande. The Matadors (11-8) had 11 hits to Savanna’s four as catcher Shanna Flynn went 4 for 4 with a double, a triple and three RBIs. Third baseman Roseann Flores had two hits and an RBI, and first baseman Stacey Buckalew had a single and double. Pitcher Teffani Hooper (10-7) got the victory. Nadine Ditto took the loss.

Fullerton 2, North Torrance 0--The Indians (12-12), the Freeway League’s third-place team, upset the Ocean League champions as Fullerton pitcher Cindy Michik (12-12) struck out 12 and allowed just four hits. Fullerton scored all its runs in the first inning when Lynette Calvo and Casey Donaghu singled, advanced on a wild pitch and were driven home by Janene Allen’s two-out double. The Indians made no errors and were led on defense by the diving catches of outfielders Sabryna Welch and Laura Cooper.

Estancia 3, Western 0--The Eagles (13-7) took advantage of three Pioneer errors to score three unearned runs against losing pitcher Shelly Mahon at Western (14-5). Winner Tammy Kane allowed six hits.